Man involved in violent arrest in Campbellton, N.B. released from custody on Monday
The New Brunswick man at the centre of a violent arrest caught on camera Friday afternoon in Campbellton, N.B. was released from custody on Monday.
Andre Mercier, 30, was arrested Friday afternoon after police responded to reports of a man wielding a stick while entering local businesses in Campbellton's downtown.
According to New Brunswick RCMP Sgt. Mario Maillet, when officers arrived, Mercier resisted arrest and an altercation ensued.
Part of the altercation and arrest was recorded and posted to social media sparking outrage in the community as a New Brunswick police officer is seen repeatedly striking Mercier, while an unidentified civilian holds down his legs.
Six investigators with Quebec's independent watchdog arrived in Campbellton Saturday night to begin the investigation, which officials say could take several weeks to complete.
"They're going door-to-door trying to talk to people, trying to find new eye witnesses," said Guy Lapointe, a spokesperson for Quebec's Bureau Des Enquetes Independantes. "At least one eye witness has come forward through our website."
On Monday, Mercier appeared in Campbellton Courthouse via video conference. He was charged with breach of probation and was released from custody. Mercier is scheduled to appear in Campbellton Courthouse on August 16.
Friends and family of the 30-year-old gathered at the Campbellton Courthouse during Mercier's appearance to show support after video of his arrest was widely circulated online.
"We came here to show Dre our support, to show him that he wasn't alone," said Jessica Fair, an organizer of the rally. "I'm sick of this stuff happening. Everyone says it's the first time it's happened but it's not. It's the first time it was filmed in Campbellton."
Fair says while she is relieved Mercier has been released from custody, she is worried about what could happen next.
"Once he leaves here today, where's he going to go?" asked Fair. "Will it be the same treatment as before? What's going to change?"
Ian Comeau, the mayor or Campbellton, addressed the public with a video statement posted to social media.
"There's been a lot of questions. A lot of unanswered questions and I think this external investigation is going to allow us to see the facts, the true story of what took place here Friday afternoon," said Comeau.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.